Caden D, age 10

Photograph by Brittany Hardy (2022)

Caden loves going to church, riding his bike, and playing with his dog, Sadie Mae. He is a talented dancer and baseball player. Caden does not lack any confidence, and he is his own number one supporter! Diagnosed with Down syndrome, Caden does not let this hold him back from living his best life. His mom, Wendy, says “Caden doesn’t see himself as different, and he doesn’t judge others. He loves everybody!”

Caden demonstrates his confidence on stage, nailing his dance routines, and on the field when he comes out swinging and sprinting during his baseball games.

Living with Caden has taught his family to enjoy life, slow down, and to not sweat the small stuff. Seeing him navigate general life effortlessly and not judging others brings his family joy. Being the purest self that he can be, Caden shows everybody around him what a wonderful part of life he is. He lives life to the fullest every single day!

A Caden le encanta ir a la iglesia, montar en bicicleta y jugar con su perro, Sadie Mae. Es un talentoso bailarín y jugador de béisbol. A Caden no le falta confianza, ¡y es su propio defensor número uno! Con un diagnóstico de síndrome de Down, Caden no deja que esto le impida vivir su mejor vida. Su madre, Wendy, dice que “Caden no se ve a sí mismo como diferente, y no juzga a los demás. Quiere a todo el mundo”.

Caden demuestra su confianza en el escenario, clavando sus rutinas de baile, y en el campo de juego cuando sale balanceándose y esprintando durante sus partidos de béisbol.

Vivir con Caden ha enseñado a su familia a disfrutar de la vida, a ir más despacio y a no preocuparse por las cosas pequeñas. Verle navegar por la vida en general sin esfuerzo y sin juzgar a los demás alegra a su familia. Siendo el ser más puro que puede ser, Caden muestra a todos los que le rodean lo maravilloso que es en la vida. ¡Vive la vida al máximo cada día!

 

Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.